Lee Seung-hyun: "Win at All Costs" vs Hachimura Rui: "No Plan to Lose to Korea"... Korean-Japanese Match Heats Up Properly on Liberation Day in Tokyo

*This content was translated by AI.

A Korean-Japanese match is taking place in Tokyo, Japan, on Liberation Day. Lee Seung-hyun, captain of the South Korean team (Ulsan Hyundai Mobis), vowed, "We will win no matter what." Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura, a key player for Japan who plays in the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, also expressed strong determination, stating, "I have no intention of losing to Korea."

The South Korean team, led by coach Nikolaj Mazur, will face Japan in two away friendly matches over two days on the 15th and 16th at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Notably, the first match on the 15th falls on Liberation Day.

Lee Seung-hyun, known as the "captain of the national team," was well aware of the special significance of this Korean-Japanese matchup. Through the Korea Basketball Association, Lee stated, "Since this game is being held on Liberation Day, the players are quite nervous."

He continued, "We also played a game on March 1st during Window2, and I believe that in such meaningful matches, it is more important to play for the team than for personal reasons. I want to win no matter what and bring good results to our fans and the people of South Korea. With this mindset, I will approach the game."

However, South Korea did not send its full-strength squad to Japan. KBL top-tier guard Lee Jung-hyun (Goyang Sono) is not in perfect condition, and "national team ace" Lee Hyun-jung was absent.

Lee Hyun-jung participated in the NBA Summer League and joined the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics FC mini-camps to challenge for a spot in major leagues. As a result, he could not join this trip to Japan. Forward Ahn Young-jun (Seoul SK) also withdrew due to injury.

However, Lee Seung-hyun emphasized that the players' determination to fill the gaps is stronger than ever.

He said, "Other players are working harder to fill the void left by absent teammates. Everyone is training with great passion. In particular, Byun Jun-hyeong (Anyang Jeonggwanjang) is participating more diligently in training despite a finger injury, and this attitude itself serves as strong motivation for other players."

In contrast, Japan has gained powerful support. Rui Hachimura, who plays in the NBA, returned to the Japanese national team for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics two years ago.

According to Japan's Nikkan Sports, Hachimura expressed strong determination to win ahead of the match against Korea. He said, "The team atmosphere is excellent, and I feel very good. Under Coach Oketa, everyone is coming together to build the Japanese national team."

He further emphasized regarding the match against Korea, "I have no intention of losing."

Hachimura also viewed this game as an important stage in preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. He explained, "It is a crucial game to get into proper condition. I want to prepare thoroughly and approach it with confidence."

Both South Korea and Japan face a match where neither can back down. Although South Korea is missing several key players for the away game, Lee Seung-hyun is determined to overcome this crisis as one united team.

Lee Seung-hyun stated, "The individual abilities of each player are outstanding, needless to say. What matters most is that we demonstrate our skills and abilities as a team. Since basketball is a team sport, we are constantly discussing how to coordinate well with each other and unite so that individual strengths can create synergy effects."

He added, "Team defense in particular best reflects this aspect, so we are also focusing heavily on defensive strategies."

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*This content was translated by AI.